JP2007320051A - Image forming apparatus, method for controlling electric power source and program for controlling electric power source - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to control an electric power source by remote operation when it is used by a plurality of users. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) comprises a remote operation indication receiving part for receiving an indication by the remote operation, a job execution controlling part for executing a job, and an electric power source controlling part for controlling the electric power source. When an indication for controlling the electric power source for controlling the electric power source is received by the remote operation indication receiving part (S31), and when there exists the job which the job executing part executes (S37, YES), the electric power source controlling part controls the electric power source according to the indication for controlling the electric power source (S58) after all the jobs which the job executing part executes are executed (S42, NO). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a power control method, and a power control program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus controlled by remote operation, a power control method and a power control program executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, a technique for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatuses to a network and controlling the power supply of the image forming apparatus by remote control from a computer is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-259379 includes a plurality of printer devices connected to a network via a predetermined adapter and a printer interface, and a host computer connected to the network. Means for recognizing printer devices that can be set to power on or off from status information of the printer devices and displaying a list of printer devices that can be set to power on or off on the screen of the display device; When a plurality of printer devices to be set to power on or off are selected, power on or off control of the printer device is executed via the network for the selected one or a plurality of printer devices. And a power supply for the printer provided with the power supply control means. The control method is described.

However, as the functionality of the image forming apparatus increases, the image forming apparatus can store a plurality of jobs. Therefore, according to the conventional power control method, the power may be turned off even when the image forming apparatus stores an unprocessed job, and the power is turned off without executing the job. There is a problem that the stored job is lost or the stored job is lost. In addition, since the image forming apparatus can be used by a plurality of users, the power is turned off by remote operation while another user who is using the image forming apparatus is using the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that the user who is using the device has to perform the operation for turning on the power again and performing the setting operation from the beginning. For this reason, when a user who performs a remote operation turns off the power of the image forming apparatus by remote operation, the image forming apparatus is not executing a job, a job for execution is not reserved, or another It was inconvenient to make sure that it was not used by users.
JP 2000-259379 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables power control by remote operation when used by a plurality of users. That is.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a power control method capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power control program capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a remote operation instruction receiving unit that receives a remote operation instruction, a job execution unit that executes a job, and a power source that controls a power source. Control means, and the power control means executes the job execution means when there is a job to be executed by the job execution means when an instruction for controlling the power supply is received by the remote operation instruction reception means. And a post-job standby control means for controlling the power supply in accordance with an instruction for controlling the accepted power supply after all of the jobs to be executed are executed.

  According to this aspect, when an instruction to control the power supply is received by remote operation, if there is a job to be executed, the power supply is controlled after all the jobs to be executed are executed. The power supply is controlled according to the instructions for For this reason, since the job being executed is executed to the end without being interrupted, and the waiting job is executed without being lost, the user who performs the remote operation can execute the job to be executed by the image forming apparatus. Remote control for power control can be performed without confirming the presence of the power supply. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables power control by remote operation when used by a plurality of users.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a remote operation instruction accepting unit that accepts an instruction by remote operation, an operation accepting unit for accepting an operation, and a power control unit that controls a power source. When the instruction for controlling the power source is accepted by the remote operation instruction accepting unit and the operation accepting unit accepts the operation, the control unit controls the accepted power source after the acceptance of the operation is finished. Operation standby control means for controlling the power supply in accordance with an instruction to do so.

  According to this aspect, when an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is accepted, if the operation is accepted, the power supply is controlled according to the instruction for controlling the power supply after the acceptance of the operation is completed. To do. Therefore, the user operating the image forming apparatus can input the operation to the end without interrupting the input of the operation while inputting the operation. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables power control by remote operation when used by a plurality of users.

  Preferably, a communication means for communicating with at least one operation terminal via a network is further provided, and the remote operation instruction receiving means receives an instruction for controlling the power source received by the communication means from at least one operation terminal. Power control instruction receiving means is included.

  Preferably, the communication unit includes a state transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating a state after controlling the power source to the network immediately before the power source control unit controls the power source.

  Preferably, it further comprises a communication means for communicating with at least one operation terminal via a network, and the remote operation instruction receiving means controls the power supply when the communication means receives an instruction to control the power supply. And a confirmation screen transmitting means for transmitting a confirmation screen for confirming the instruction to the operation terminal that has transmitted the instruction for controlling the power supply.

  Preferably, the power control means includes a power off control means for turning off the power when an instruction to turn off the power is received as an instruction for controlling the power by the remote operation instruction accepting means.

  Preferably, the power control means includes mode switching means for switching to the power saving mode for reducing the output power when an instruction to switch to the power saving mode is accepted as an instruction for controlling the power by the remote operation instruction accepting means.

  Preferably, the power control unit executes the pre-power control operation execution unit that executes a predetermined process before controlling the power source, and the pre-power control operation execution after the remote control instruction reception unit receives an instruction to control the power source. When a new job is input while the means is executing a predetermined process, the power control is performed based on a determination means for determining whether or not to execute the new job, and a determination result by the determination means. Pre-power control operation control means for suspending execution of predetermined processing by the pre-operation execution means and activating the pre-power control operation execution means after executing a new job.

  Preferably, authentication means for authenticating the operating subject is further provided, and the remote operation instruction receiving means further includes instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction specifying the operating subject authenticated by the authenticating means.

  Preferably, the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction specifying a predetermined operating subject.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a communication unit for communicating with another image processing apparatus connected to the network, and the remote operation instruction receiving unit controls the power received from the other image forming apparatus connected to the network. Interlocking power supply control instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to do so.

  Preferably, the communication unit further includes a communication unit for communicating with another image processing apparatus connected to the network, and the communication unit receives the instruction for controlling the power supply by the remote operation instruction reception unit. And an interlocked power control instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction for controlling the power to another image forming apparatus connected to the.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an e-mail receiving means for receiving e-mail, wherein the remote operation instruction accepting means accepts a predetermined power control signal included in the received e-mail as an instruction for controlling the power supply. Control instruction receiving means is included.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a facsimile apparatus, and the remote operation instruction receiving means receives a predetermined power control signal included in the facsimile data received by the facsimile apparatus as an instruction for controlling the power supply. including.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a power supply control method is executed when a step of receiving an instruction by remote operation, a step of executing a job, and an instruction for controlling a power supply by remote operation are received. In the case where there is a job, there is a step of controlling the power supply in accordance with an instruction for controlling the power supply received by remote operation after executing all the jobs to be executed.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power control method capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a power supply control method includes a step of receiving an instruction by remote operation, a step of receiving an operation, and an operation reception when an instruction to control a power supply by remote operation is received. When the operation is accepted by the step, the method includes a step of controlling the power supply in accordance with an instruction for controlling the power supply accepted by the remote operation after the acceptance of the operation is completed.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power control method capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a power supply control program is executed when a step of receiving an instruction by remote operation, a step of executing a job, and an instruction for controlling a power supply by remote operation are received. If all the jobs to be executed are executed, the image forming apparatus is caused to execute a step of controlling the power according to an instruction for controlling the power received by remote operation.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power control method capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the power supply control program accepts an operation when a step for receiving an instruction by remote operation, a step for receiving an operation, and an instruction for controlling a power supply by remote operation are received. If the operation is accepted in the step, the image forming apparatus is caused to execute a step of controlling the power according to an instruction for controlling the power accepted by the remote operation after the acceptance of the operation is finished.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power control method capable of remotely controlling power control of an image forming apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing system 1 includes a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 100, two MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 102 and 103, each connected to a network 101. Printers 104 and 105. Each of the MFPs 102 and 103 includes an image reading unit that reads an original to acquire image data, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the image data, and a facsimile unit. It has a function and a facsimile transmission / reception function. Since the PC 100 is a general computer and its hardware configuration is well known, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The network 101 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 101 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  Note that the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 are image forming apparatuses, and the number of them is not limited. Further, the PC 100 is a terminal for remotely operating the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105, and there may be one or more, and the number is not limited.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Since the MFPs 102 and 103 have the same hardware configuration and functions, the MFP 102 will be described here as an example. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 102 stores a central processing unit (CPU) 110 that controls MFP 102 as a whole, RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of CPU 110, and data in a nonvolatile manner. Hard disk drive (HDD) 113, display unit 114, operation unit 115, external storage device 116, facsimile unit 27, communication unit 28, power supply circuit 29, ADF 21, image reading unit 22, and image A processing unit 23, an image forming unit 24, a paper feeding unit 25, and a post-processing unit 26 are included.

  The ADF 21 handles a plurality of documents mounted on the document table, and sequentially conveys them one by one to the image reading unit 22. The ADF 21 conveys the document to the image reading unit 22 to read the both sides of the document so that the image reading unit 22 can read both sides, then turns the document over and conveys the document to the image reading unit 22 to read the back side. . The image reading unit 22 optically reads image information such as photographs, characters, pictures and the like from a document and acquires image data. The image processing unit 23 is controlled by the CPU 110 and performs image processing on the image data based on an instruction from the CPU 110. When image data is input, the image forming unit 24 prints an image on a sheet based on the image data.

  The paper feed unit 25 has a plurality of paper feed trays, and supplies the sheets stored in the designated paper feed tray to the image forming unit 24 one by one. The post-processing unit 26 discharges the paper on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 26 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays and includes a sorting unit, a punch hole processing unit, and a staple processing unit. The sorting unit sorts and outputs a plurality of sheets on which images are formed to a plurality of paper discharge trays. The punch hole processing unit opens a punch hole in the paper. The staple processing unit performs staple processing to collect a plurality of sheets on which images are formed.

  The display unit 114 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. Operation unit 115 further includes a touch panel provided on display unit 114. The display unit 114 and the operation unit 115 constitute an operation panel as a user interface.

  The communication unit 28 is a communication interface for connecting the MFP 102 to the network 101. The communication unit 28 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network 101 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110. The communication unit 28 communicates with a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The communication unit 28 may be a serial interface. The MFP 102 can communicate with the MFP 103, the PC 100, and the printers 104 and 105 via the communication unit 28.

  The external storage device 116 can be loaded with a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) 116B. The CD-ROM 116B stores a power control program to be described later. The CPU 110 controls the external storage device 116, reads the power control program from the CD-ROM 116B, stores the read power control program in the RAM 112, Execute.

  The recording medium for storing the power supply control program is not limited to the CD-ROM 116B, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC A semiconductor memory such as a card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electronically EPROM) may be used. Further, the CPU 110 downloads a power control program from the PC 100 connected to the network 101 and stores it in the HDD 113, or the PC 100 writes the power control program in the HDD 113 so that the power control program stored in the HDD 113 is stored in the RAM 112. The CPU 110 may execute the program. The program here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 110 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The facsimile unit 27 is connected to the PSTN 13 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 13 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 13. The facsimile unit 27 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 113, converts it into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 24, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 24. As a result, the image forming unit 24 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 27 on paper. In addition, the facsimile unit 27 converts the data stored in the HDD 113 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN 13.

  The power supply circuit 29 includes a sub power supply 31, a main power supply 32, a first switch 34, and a second switch 33. The first switch 34 has one end connected to a commercial power supply and the other end connected to one end of the sub power supply 31 and the second switch 33. The second switch 33 has one end connected to the first switch and the other end connected to the main power supply 32. The sub power supply 31 supplies power to the CPU 110, the communication unit 28, and the facsimile unit 27. The main power supply 32 supplies power to the entire MFP 102. The first switch 34 and the second switch 33 are controlled by the CPU 110. When the first switch 34 is on and the second switch 33 is off, the power supplied from the commercial power supply is supplied to the sub power supply 31 and is not supplied to the main power supply 32. Therefore, when the first switch 34 is on and the second switch 33 is off, power is supplied only to the CPU 110, the communication unit 28, and the facsimile unit 27, and they are activated. No power is supplied to the reading unit 22, the image processing unit 23, the image forming unit 24, the paper feeding unit 25, and the post-processing unit 26. CPU 110 switches the first switch on and the second switch off when MFP 102 is in the power saving mode.

  When the first switch 34 and the second switch 33 are on, the sub power supply 31 is on and the main power supply 32 is off. Electric power supplied from the commercial power supply is supplied to the sub power supply 31 and the main power supply 32. Therefore, the state in which the first switch is on and the second switch is on is a state in which the sub power source 31 is on and the main power source is on. When the sub power supply 31 is on and the main power supply is on, power is supplied to the entire MFP 102. When the MFP 102 is in the normal mode, the CPU 110 turns on the first switch and turns on the second switch.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the CPU of the MFP together with information stored in the HDD. Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 110 authenticates a user who is an operation subject, user authentication unit 151, remote control instruction reception unit 152 for receiving a remote control instruction, and job storage unit 113 </ b> A of HDD 113 that receives a job. , A job execution control unit 154 that executes a job stored in the job storage unit 113A, a power control unit 155 for controlling the power supply circuit 29, and a pre-power control operation execution unit 156 including.

  A user authentication unit 151 authenticates a user who logs in to the MFP 102. Here, user authentication is performed using user identification information and a password for identifying the user. The MFP 102 stores in advance user data in which the user identification information and the password are associated with each other in the HDD 113, and authenticates the user who logs in using the user identification information and the password input to the MFP 102. When the user directly operates the MFP 102, when the user inputs user identification information and a password to the operation unit 115, the user authentication unit 151 receives the user identification information and the password from the operation unit 115, and uses the user data. Certify. When the user operates the PC 100 to remotely operate the MFP 102, user identification information and a password are transmitted from the PC 100 and received by the communication unit 28. The user authentication unit 151 receives user identification information and a password from the PC 100 from the communication unit 28 and authenticates using user data.

  Remote control instruction accepting unit 152 outputs a remote control instruction to power supply control unit 155. Remote control instruction accepting unit 152 includes an operation accepting unit 161. The operation reception unit 161 receives a remote operation instruction from the communication unit 28. When the communication unit 28 receives a remote operation instruction from the PC 100, the communication unit 28 outputs the remote operation instruction to the operation reception unit 161. The remote operation instruction transmitted by the PC 100 may include user identification information and a password. The operation reception unit 161 outputs user identification information and a password received together with a remote operation instruction to request the user authentication unit 151 to perform authentication, and receives an authentication result from the user authentication unit 151. The operation reception unit 161 outputs a remote operation instruction to the power supply control unit 155 when the authentication by the user authentication unit 151 is successful. In addition, when specific user identification information is determined in advance, the operation reception unit 161 receives a remote control instruction together with the specific user identification information, and the specific user identification information is authenticated by the user authentication unit 151. A remote control instruction may be output to the power supply control unit 155.

  The remote control instruction accepting unit 152 accepts a remote operation instruction from a pre-stored interlocking device. The interlocking device is registered in advance by the administrator of MFP 102 and stored in HDD 113. Here, an example in which the MFP 103 is registered as an interlocking device will be described. When the communication unit 28 receives a remote operation instruction from the MFP 102, the remote operation instruction reception unit 152 receives a remote operation instruction from the communication unit 28. On the other hand, when the operation receiving unit 161 receives a remote operation instruction, the remote control instruction receiving unit 152 transmits the remote operation instruction to the interlocking device if the interlocking device is stored in the HDD 113.

  The job reception unit 153 receives a job and stores the received job in the job storage unit 113A. A job received by the job receiving unit 153 may be input from the operation unit 115 or input from the communication unit 28. The job is a print job for forming an image of print data on a sheet, a scan job for causing a document to be read by the image reading unit 22, and storing image data (scan data) output from the image reading unit 22 in the HDD 113, and a document for an image reading unit. 22 is a copy job in which image data (scan data) output by the image reading unit 22 is scanned by the image forming unit 24 and formed on a sheet. The job receiving unit 153 stores the received jobs in the job storage unit 113A in the order received. The job received by the job receiving unit 153 may be associated with user identification information. When a job is input from the communication unit 28, the communication unit 28 receives user identification information together with the job, and stores the job in the job storage unit 113A in association with the received user identification information. When a job is input from the operation unit 115, the job is associated with user identification information input from the operation unit 115 and stored in the job storage unit 113A. The user may be allowed to input user identification information and a password to the operation unit 115 and permit the job to be input on condition that the user authentication unit 151 succeeds in authentication.

The job execution control unit 154 sequentially reads the jobs stored in the job storage unit 113A and executes the jobs. In the case of a print job, the print data is image-formed by the image forming unit 24. In the case of a scan job, the image reading unit 22 is caused to read a document, and image data (scan data) output by the image reading unit 22 is used. Store in the HDD 113. In the case of a copy job, the image reading unit 22 reads a document, and image data (scan data) output from the image reading unit 22 is formed on the image forming unit 24.
There is a copy job.

  The power control unit 155 receives a remote control instruction from the remote control instruction receiving unit 152 and controls the power circuit 29 according to the remote control instruction. The power supply control unit 155 switches the first switch 34 and the second switch 33 of the power supply circuit 29. When the remote control instruction is an instruction to turn off the sub power supply 31, the power supply control unit 155 switches the first switch 34 from on to off. When the remote control instruction is an instruction to switch the operation mode to the power saving mode, the power supply control unit 155 switches the second switch 33 from on to off. The power control unit 155 activates the pre-power control operation execution unit 156 before switching the first switch 34 or the second switch 33 from on to off, and the pre-power control operation execution unit 156 performs a predetermined operation on the image forming unit. 24, the first switch 34 or the second switch 33 is switched from on to off.

  The pre-power control operation executing unit 156 causes the image forming unit 24 to execute a predetermined operation when the power is not supplied from the state where the power is supplied to the image forming unit 24. The pre-power control operation execution unit 156 causes the image forming unit 24 to execute a predetermined operation, and then outputs an end signal to the power control unit 155.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of device management processing executed by the PC. The device management process is a process executed by the CPU when the CPU included in the PC executes the device management program. Referring to FIG. 4, the CPU of PC 200 detects the device state (step S01). The MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 are inquired about the status, and the current status is received from each of them. The states of the MFPs 102 and 103 include standby in a standby state, sleep in a power saving mode, and power off during printing in which the image forming unit 24 is operating. The power-off state is determined to be a power-off state when there is no response even if the PC inquires about the state.

  And it is judged whether the instruction | indication which displays the state list screen by a user was received (step S02). If such an instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S03; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S03, a status list screen is displayed on the display.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state list display screen. Referring to FIG. 5, the status list display screen displays a selection item and a management No. for each device. , An image forming apparatus name item, a network connection status item, and a terminal status item. The MFP 102 is indicated by the device name MFP A assigned thereto, and the item of network connection status is displayed as connected, and the terminal status is displayed as standby. The MFP 103 is indicated by the device name MFP B assigned to it, and the network connection status item is displayed as connected and the terminal status is displayed as printing. The printer 104 is indicated by the device name PRT A assigned thereto, the item of network connection status is displayed as connected, and the terminal status is displayed as printing. The printer 105 is indicated by the device name PRT B assigned to it, the item of network connection status is displayed as connected, and the terminal status is displayed as standby. The user of the PC 100 can select a device to be remotely operated from the devices displayed on the list display screen by instructing an item for selecting a device that is desired to be remotely operated. The state list display screen also includes a key on which characters of “power state batch operation key” are represented. When this key is instructed, the display is switched to a power state batch operation screen to be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S04, it is determined whether or not an apparatus has been selected. If an apparatus has been selected, the process proceeds to step S05. If not selected, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S05, an operation screen is displayed. The operation screen is a screen for remotely operating the selected device.

  FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen. In the figure, an operation screen when the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 are selected on the status display screen is shown. Referring to FIG. 6, the operation screen includes a device name tab of the selected device, and is configured to be able to switch the operation screen for each device. In the figure, an operation screen corresponding to the tab MFP A of the MFP 102 is shown. The operation screen includes a key on which characters of “power state” for switching to the remote operation screen are displayed, and various keys for setting a job. When a key having the word “power state” is designated, a power operation screen is displayed.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a power operation screen. FIG. 7A shows the operation screen shown in FIG. 6, in which the operation screen for the MFP 102 is displayed. 4 is a screen for inputting a power control instruction to the MFP 102. Referring to FIG. 7A, the power operation screen can input a power control instruction for switching the sub power switch on or off and a power control instruction for switching the power saving mode on or off. When a power control instruction for switching the sub power switch off is input, it is not possible to input a power control instruction for switching the power saving mode on or off. When a button with OK characters is designated, a power control instruction for the MFP 102 is accepted by the PC 100. When an instruction to turn off the sub power switch is accepted, a power control instruction to turn off the sub power is accepted. When an instruction to turn on the power saving mode is accepted, a power control instruction to switch to the power saving mode is accepted.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a power state batch operation screen. FIG. 7B is a screen that is displayed when the key indicating the characters “power status batch operation key” is designated on the status list display screen shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the power state batch operation screen shown in FIG. 7B is a screen for inputting the same power control instruction to all of the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105. When a button with OK characters is designated, a power control instruction for the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 is received by the PC 100.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S06, it is determined whether or not a power control instruction has been accepted. If the power control instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S07, user identification information is accepted, and in the next step S08, a password is accepted. The PC 100 displays a login screen on the display and accepts input of user identification information and a password. Then, the received user identification information and password are transmitted to the device that is the transmission target of the power control instruction (step S09). Here, the transmission target of the power control instruction will be described as the MFP 102. As will be described later, when the MFP 102 receives the user identification information and the password, the MFP 102 determines whether or not the user is permitted to accept the power control instruction. If the identification information is assigned to the permitted user, the MFP 102 logs in. If the user is not an authorized user, a signal rejecting login is returned. User identification information assigned to a user who is permitted to accept a power control instruction is stored in the MFP 102 in advance.

  Next, in step S10, it is determined whether login is permitted. If permitted, the process proceeds to step S11. If denied, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S11, the power supply control instruction accepted in step S06 is transmitted to MFP 102, and the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, in step S12, error processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S13. In the error process, for example, an error screen including a message indicating that login is rejected is displayed on the display. In step S13, it is determined whether or not there is a device that transmits a remote control instruction next. If it exists, the process returns to step S09, and if not, the process proceeds to step S14.

  FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a login screen. The login screen is a screen displayed on the display of the PC 100 in step S07 and step S08 of FIG. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of an error screen. The error screen is a screen displayed on the display of the PC 100 in step S12 of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 4, if the PC 100 receives a warning screen from the MFP 102 in step S <b> 14, the process proceeds to step S <b> 14; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S <b> 19. The warning screen received in step S15 is displayed on the display. The warning screen is a screen transmitted from the MFP 102 when the MFP 102 is attached to the MFP 102, and is a screen for inquiring whether or not the power control may be performed while the facsimile device is attached. It is. If the power is controlled while the facsimile apparatus is mounted on the MFP 102, if the main power is off, even if a facsimile is received, the image is not formed, but is stored in the HDD 113, and no image is formed on the paper. When the sub power supply is off, power is not supplied to the facsimile apparatus, so that facsimile reception cannot be performed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen. The warning screen includes a button indicating OK characters and a button indicating cancel characters. In order to validate the power control instruction, the user may indicate a button with an OK character, and when canceling the power control instruction, the user may indicate a button with a cancel character.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S16, if the button indicating OK is indicated on the warning screen (YES in step S16), the PC 100 transmits a confirmation signal to the MFP 102 (step S17) and cancels. When a button with the character is designated (NO in step S16), a cancel signal is transmitted to the MFP 102 (step S18).

  Here, processing executed by the MFP 102 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of power control processing executed by the MFP. The power control process is a process executed by the CPU 110 when the CPU 110 of the MFP 102 executes a power control program. Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 110 executes a power control instruction reception process.

  The power control instruction reception process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of power control instruction reception processing. CPU 110 determines whether or not a remote control instruction for a power control instruction has been received from MFP 103 as the interlocking device (step S71). If a power supply control instruction is received, the process returns to the remote control process. If not received, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, it is determined whether the user authentication is successful. It is determined whether user data including user identification information and a password received from PC 100 is stored in HDD 113. User data is data in which user identification information and a password are associated with each other, and is stored in the HDD 113 in advance. If the same user data as the user identification information and the password received from the PC 100 is stored in the HDD 113, the user identification information is authenticated. If the user identification information is authenticated, the process proceeds to step S73. If not authenticated, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S73, it is determined whether or not the authenticated user identification information is determined in advance as corresponding to a user who is permitted to perform a remote operation. If so, the process proceeds to step S74; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S78. This is to limit users who can instruct the MFP 102 to perform power control by remote operation. In step S74, login is permitted, and a power supply control instruction is received in the next step S75. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, in step S78, the login is rejected, and the process returns to step S72.

  In step S76, it is determined whether or not an interlocking device exists. If the interlocking device is stored in HDD 113, the process proceeds to step S77; otherwise, the process returns to the remote control process. In step S77, a remote control instruction for a power supply control instruction is transmitted to the interlocking device. Here, since MFP 103 is stored as the interlocking device, a power control instruction is transmitted to MFP 102. Therefore, if a power control instruction is given to the MFP 102, a power control instruction can also be given to the MFP 103.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when the power control instruction acceptance process is completed, it is determined whether or not the facsimile apparatus is mounted on the MFP 102 (step S <b> 32). If the facsimile apparatus is mounted, the process proceeds to step S33; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S33, a warning screen is transmitted to PC 100. In step S34, if a confirmation signal for validating the power control instruction is received from PC 100, the process proceeds to step S35. If a cancel signal indicating cancellation of the power control instruction is received from PC 100, the process proceeds to step S31. return.

  In step S35, the state of the MFP 102 is detected. If it is operating, the process proceeds to step S36. If it is on standby, the process proceeds to step S43. If it is in the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S36, the process stands by until the job being executed is completed. If the job being executed is completed, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, it is determined whether there is a standby job. If a job is stored in the job storage unit 113A of the HDD 113, it is determined that a standby job exists. If there is a waiting job, the process proceeds to step S38; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S38, the standby job is read from job storage unit 113A, job execution is started, and the process proceeds to step S39. Note that, among the standby jobs, the job of the user who has instructed the power control may not be executed, and only the job other than the user who has instructed the power control may be executed. Since the user who has instructed the power control knows that the job he has instructed is a standby job, the standby job can be stopped by inputting the power control instruction.

  In step S39, it is determined whether an operation has been accepted. If the operation of the operation unit 115 by the user is detected, the operation is accepted (step S40). If no operation of the operation unit 115 by the user is detected, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether or not the standby job started in step S38 has ended. If the standby job is completed, the process proceeds to step S42; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S42, it is determined whether there is a waiting job. If it exists, the process returns to step S38, and if not, the process proceeds to step S43. That is, when all the jobs stored in the job storage unit 113A are executed, the process proceeds to step S43. Therefore, since an operation is accepted from the operation unit 115 while the standby job is being executed, if a new job is set based on the accepted operation, the new job is waited in the job storage unit 113A. It is added and stored as a job. When execution of all jobs including this new job is completed, the process proceeds to step S43. Therefore, after all jobs stored in the job storage unit 113A are executed, power control according to the power control instruction is executed.

  In step S43, it is determined whether there is a login user. If there is a login user, the process proceeds to step S44; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S44, it is determined whether all the logged-in users have logged out. If all the logged-in users have logged out, the process proceeds to step S45; otherwise, the process returns to step S37. The login user includes both a user who logs in by operating the operation unit 115 and a user who logs in by remote operation via the communication unit 28. The logged-in user may set a new job. When a new job is set, the set new job is additionally stored in the job storage unit 113A. In step S41, the process proceeds to step S43 on condition that the execution of all jobs including the new job is completed. Therefore, after the job set by the login user is executed, the power control instruction is followed. Power supply control is executed. Further, when there is a logged-in user, the power control instruction is not executed, so that it is possible to prevent the set job from being lost by turning off the main power while the logged-in user is setting a job.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation was accepted in step S40. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S46; otherwise, the process returns to step S37. This is to prevent the process from proceeding to step S46 before the job setting is completed by securing a predetermined time after receiving the operation. This is to prevent the job setting operation from being wasted due to the main power being turned off during the job setting. For this reason, after the acceptance of the operation is completed, the power control according to the power control instruction is executed.

  In step S46, a power off operation is started, and the process proceeds to step S47. The power-off operation is a predetermined operation executed by the image forming unit 24 when the power is supplied to the image forming unit 24 and when the power is not supplied. In step S47, it is determined whether a job is accepted. If a job is accepted, the process proceeds to step S48; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S54. In step S48, job information relating to the accepted job is transmitted to the instruction terminal that has transmitted the power control instruction, in this case, the PC 100. The job information includes, for example, user identification information for identifying the user who set the job, the type of job, and the like.

  With reference to FIG. 4, in step S19, the PC 100 proceeds to step S20 if the job information is received, and proceeds to step S24 if not received. In step S20, the received job information is displayed. Then, either an instruction to permit execution of the job or an instruction not to permit is accepted (step S21). If an instruction to permit is accepted, the process proceeds to step S22. If an instruction not to permit is accepted, the process proceeds to step S23. Proceed to In step S22, a permission signal is returned to the MFP 102, and in step S23, a non-permission signal is returned to the MFP 102.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the MFP 102 determines whether or not a permission signal has been received from the PC 100 as the instruction terminal in step S <b> 49. If a permission signal is received, the process proceeds to step S50. If a non-permission signal is received, the process proceeds to step S54. When the process proceeds to step S54, an error message indicating that the job cannot be executed is displayed on the display unit 114, and the job received in step S47 is deleted. Since the user who has instructed the transmission of the power control instruction can determine whether or not to permit the execution of the job, it is possible to prevent the input of the job from continuing and the power control of the MFP 102 from being stopped. it can.

  In step S50, the power-off operation started in step S46 is stopped. Then, the job accepted in step S47 is executed (step S51). It is determined whether or not the job has been completed (step S52). If completed, the process proceeds to step S53. If not completed, the process returns to step S47. Therefore, when a job is accepted after the power-off operation is started, the job can be executed on condition that the user who has transmitted the power control instruction has permission.

  In step S53, the power-off operation is resumed. Then, it is determined whether or not the power-off operation has been completed (step S54). If completed, the process proceeds to step S55. If not completed, the process returns to step S47.

  In step S55, it is determined whether or not the power control instruction received in step S31 is an instruction to turn off the sub power. If so, the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S56, a signal indicating that the sub power supply is off is broadcast to the network 101. Therefore, it is possible to notify all devices connected to the network 101 of a state change signal indicating that the sub power supply of the MFP 102 has changed to the off state. Next, the state change is notified to the user of the MFP 102 (step S57). For example, a warning screen including a message indicating that the sub power supply is turned off is displayed on the display unit 114. FIG. 12 shows an example of the warning screen. Then, the sub power supply is turned off (step S58). Specifically, the first switch 34 of the power supply circuit 29 is opened.

  In step S59, a state change signal indicating that the state has been changed to the power saving mode is broadcast to the network 101. Therefore, it is possible to notify all devices connected to the network 101 that the MFP 102 has entered the power saving mode. Next, the state change is notified to the user of the MFP 102 (step S60). For example, a warning screen including a message indicating that the power saving mode is set is displayed on the display unit 114. Then, the main power supply is turned off (step S61). Specifically, the second switch 33 of the power supply circuit 29 is opened.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, in step S24, PC 100 determines whether or not a state change signal is received from MFP 102. If received, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S25. Return to S01. In step S25, a state change screen is displayed. FIG. 13 shows an example of the state change screen. Any device connected to the network 101 can receive the state change signal, and can display the state display screen.

  Here, the state change is notified after the power-off operation is finished, but after receiving the power control instruction, a notice screen for notifying that the power control is executed is displayed on the display unit 114. You may do it. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notice screen.

<Modified example of power control instruction>
The power control instruction described above includes either an instruction to turn off the sub power supply or an instruction to switch to the power saving mode. However, in the modified example, the power control instruction is issued until the power control instruction is executed. The time can be specified.

  FIG. 15A is a first diagram illustrating an example of a power operation screen in the modification. Referring to FIG. 15A, in addition to an area for setting on / off of the sub power switch, an area for setting a timer time is included. In addition to an area for setting switching to the power saving mode, the timer time is set. Contains the area to set. FIG. 15B is a second diagram illustrating an example of the power operation screen in the modification. Referring to FIG. 15B, in addition to an area for setting on / off of the sub power switch, an area for setting a timer value as an execution time is included.

  The MFP 102 in the modified example executes the power control process similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but the processes after step S32 receive the power control instruction when the timer time is received together with the power control instruction. This is executed when the timer time has elapsed, and when the timer time is received together with the power control instruction, the timer time is reached.

<Variation of remote control>
The image processing system 1 described above enables power control by remotely controlling the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 in the PC 100. The image processing system in the remote control modification is configured to remotely control the MFPs 102 and 103 and the printers 104 and 105 by facsimile transmission from a facsimile apparatus or by transmitting an e-mail from the PC 100 or a mobile phone. It is a thing. Hereinafter, differences from the MFP 102 described above will be mainly described.

  FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the remote control instruction accepting unit in the modified example. Referring to FIG. 16, remote control instruction accepting unit 152A includes an e-mail receiving unit 162, a facsimile data receiving unit 163, and a power control signal extracting unit 164.

  The email receiving unit 162 causes the communication unit 28 to receive the email and outputs the received email to the power control signal extracting unit 164. When the facsimile unit 27 receives the facsimile data, the facsimile data receiving unit 163 outputs the facsimile data to the power control signal extracting unit 164.

  The power control signal extraction unit 164 extracts a predetermined power control signal from e-mail or facsimile data. When the power control signal extraction unit 164 extracts the power control signal from the e-mail or facsimile data, the power control signal extraction unit 164 outputs a power control instruction corresponding to the extracted power control signal to the power control unit 155. The power control signal is a character string or a symbol determined in advance corresponding to the power control instruction.

  The e-mail receiving unit 162 receives only e-mails having a predetermined e-mail address as a sender, and the facsimile data receiving unit 163 receives only facsimile data received from a predetermined facsimile number. By limiting to a predetermined e-mail address, it is possible to limit users who can transmit a remote control instruction by e-mail. Further, by limiting the facsimile number, it is possible to limit the facsimile apparatuses that can transmit a remote control instruction by facsimile. Further, user identification information and password may be extracted from facsimile data or e-mail, and the extracted user identification information and password may be authenticated by the user authentication unit 151.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of power control instruction reception processing in the modification. The power control instruction receiving process in this modification is a process executed in step S31 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not a facsimile is received (step S81). If a facsimile is received, the process proceeds to step S82; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S83. In step S82, a power control instruction signal is extracted from the facsimile data. If the power control instruction signal is extracted, the process returns to the power control process. If not, the process proceeds to step S83.

  In step S83, it is determined whether or not an e-mail has been received. If an e-mail has been received, the process proceeds to step S84; otherwise, the process returns to step S81. In step S84, the power supply control instruction signal is extracted from the e-mail. If the power supply control instruction signal is extracted, the process returns to the power supply control process. Otherwise, the process returns to step S81.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example in which an e-mail is transmitted to the MFP by a mobile phone. FIG. 18A illustrates an appearance of a mobile phone. FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail. Referring to FIG. 18B, the address assigned to MFP 102 is set as the e-mail address. The content of the e-mail includes a character indicating power OFF. This power OFF character is associated in advance with a power control instruction for turning off the sub power. The MFP 102 executes a power control process similar to that shown in FIG. 10, and turns off the sub power when receiving an e-mail from the mobile phone. However, in step S56 in FIG. 10, in addition to broadcasting the state where the sub power is off to the network 101, the sub power is turned off to the mobile phone by returning the received e-mail. Send an email describing this. FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating an example of a reply mail.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 114 in step S57 of FIG. 10 in a modification of remote control. FIG. 20 shows an example of a state change screen displayed on a device connected to the network 101, for example, the PC 100, in a modified example of remote control.

  As described above, when the MFP 102 in the first embodiment receives an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation and there is a job to be executed, all the jobs to be executed are included. After the execution, the power supply is controlled in accordance with the instruction for controlling the power supply, so that the job being executed is executed to the end without being interrupted, and the waiting job is executed without being lost. Therefore, the user who performs the remote operation can perform the remote operation for power control without confirming the existence of the job to be executed by the image forming apparatus.

  Further, when an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is accepted, if the operation is accepted, the power supply is controlled in accordance with the instruction for controlling the power supply after the acceptance of the operation is completed. While the user is operating, the operation can be input to the end without being interrupted. Also, when a job is set based on that operation, the power is controlled after the set job is executed, so that the set job is prevented from being lost and the job is executed to the end. Can do.

  In addition, since a signal that changes state is transmitted to the device connected to the network 101 immediately before the sub power source is turned off or the main power source is turned off to switch to the power saving mode, the state of the device connected to the network 101 is changed. Notification of switching can be made.

  In addition, since a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the power supply may be controlled is transmitted to the PC 100 that has transmitted a signal for controlling the power supply, when the MFP 102 includes a facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus does not operate. This can be notified to the user of the PC 100 to call attention.

  If a new job is set while an instruction to control the power supply is received and the image forming unit 24 is executing a predetermined process executed before the power is turned off, the image forming unit 24, the execution of the predetermined process is stopped, and after executing a new job, the image forming unit 24 is caused to execute the predetermined process. Therefore, a new job can be set while the image forming unit 24 is executing a predetermined process.

  In addition, since the users who can give remote operation instructions are limited to predetermined users, the power of the MFP 102 is not inadvertently cut off.

  Further, when a power control instruction is received by remote operation, if there is a predetermined interlocking device, the power control instruction is transmitted to the interlocking device, so that the power control instruction is transmitted to one MFP by remote operation. It is possible to control the power sources of a plurality of MFPs only by transmitting.

  In addition, since the power source of the MFP 102 can be controlled by transmitting an e-mail or a facsimile to the MFP 102, remote operation can be facilitated.

<Second Embodiment>
The MFP 102 according to the second embodiment automatically executes a power control process when a disaster occurs. Hereinafter, differences from the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the second embodiment. A difference from the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 is that a disaster sign detection unit 30 is added. Other configurations are the same as those of the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment.

  The disaster sign detection unit 30 includes a sensor that detects a P-wave transmitted first when an earthquake occurs. When detecting the P wave, the disaster sign detection unit 30 immediately outputs a disaster occurrence signal indicating that the P wave has been detected to the CPU 110. For this reason, data can be backed up before the S wave of the second vibration arrives after the P wave is detected. The disaster sign detection unit 30 is connected to a building fire alarm and receives fire occurrence information. Upon receiving the fire occurrence information, the disaster sign detection unit 30 outputs a disaster occurrence signal to the CPU 110.

  FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the remote control instruction accepting unit of the MFP according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, remote control instruction accepting unit 152B includes a disaster information receiving unit 165 and a disaster detecting unit 166. The power control instruction output by the remote control instruction accepting unit 152B in the second embodiment is only a power control signal for turning off the sub power.

  The disaster information receiving unit 165 receives a remote operation instruction from the public or private disaster notification organization such as heavy rain, flood, thunder, earthquake, etc., when the communication unit 28 receives a remote operation instruction to the power control unit 155. Output. When a disaster occurrence signal is input from the disaster sign detection unit 30, the disaster detection unit 166 outputs a power control instruction to the power control unit 155.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of power control instruction reception processing executed by the MFP in the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. The power control instruction receiving process in this modification is a process executed in step S31 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not a disaster has been detected (step S91). If a disaster has been detected, the process returns to the power supply control process; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S92. When a disaster occurrence signal is input from the disaster sign detection unit 30, the occurrence of a disaster is detected. In step S92, it is determined whether communication unit 28 has received the disaster notice information. If disaster notice information has been received, the process returns to the power supply control process; otherwise, the process returns to step S91.

  The MFP 102 according to the second embodiment displays a notice screen on the display unit 114 for notifying that power control is executed after receiving the disaster notice information or after detecting the occurrence of a disaster. FIG. 24 (A) and FIG. 24 (B) are diagrams illustrating an example of a notice screen in the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state change screen displayed on the PC 100 in the image processing system according to the second embodiment.

  As described above, when the occurrence of a disaster is detected and there is a job to be executed, the MFP 102 according to the second embodiment turns on the power after all the jobs to be executed are executed. Since it is turned off, it is possible to prevent the job from being lost. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a fire due to electric leakage when a disaster occurs.

  Also, when an operation is accepted when the occurrence of a disaster is detected, the power is turned off after the acceptance of the operation is completed, so the user operating the MFP 102 is inputting the operation During the operation, the operation can be input to the end without being interrupted. Also, when a job is set based on that operation, the power is controlled after the set job is executed, so that the set job is prevented from being lost and the job is executed to the end. Can do. In addition, since the advance notice of the occurrence of a disaster is displayed on the display unit 114, the user can make an advance of the occurrence of the disaster and can be blamed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image processing system 1 has been described. However, the image processing system 1 is invented as a power control method or a power control program for causing the MFP 102 to execute the processes illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 17, and 23. Needless to say, it can be captured.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) including an authentication means for authenticating the operating subject,
The operation standby control means controls the power supply according to an instruction for controlling the accepted power supply after the acceptance of the operation is completed when the operation accepting means accepts an operation by a predetermined operation subject. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
(2) In (1),
The operation standby control means accepts the operation on the condition that the operation subject of the instruction for controlling the power received by the remote operation instruction acceptance means is different from the operation subject of the operation accepted by the operation acceptance means. The power supply is controlled in accordance with instructions for controlling the supplied power supply.
(3) disaster information receiving means for receiving disaster information from a computer connected to the network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation instruction receiving unit includes a disaster information receiving unit that receives disaster information received from a computer connected to the network as an instruction for controlling the power source.
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a job from being lost and preventing a fire due to electric leakage when a disaster occurs.
(4) disaster occurrence detection means for detecting the occurrence of a disaster;
A job execution means for executing a job;
Power control means for controlling the power supply,
When the occurrence of a disaster is detected by the disaster occurrence detection unit and the job execution unit has a job to be executed by the power supply control unit, all the jobs to be executed by the job execution unit are processed. An image forming apparatus including power-off means for turning off the power after execution.
According to this invention, when the occurrence of a disaster is detected, if there is a job to be executed, the power is turned off after all the jobs to be executed are executed. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a job from being lost and can prevent a fire due to a leakage during a disaster.
(5) A control terminal for controlling an image forming apparatus connected via a network,
Detecting means for detecting a state of a main power supply of the image forming apparatus;
Display means for displaying the status of the detected main power supply,
The display means is a control terminal that displays a plurality of different colors.
(6) A control terminal for controlling a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network,
Detecting means for detecting a state of a main power source of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
A control terminal comprising display means for displaying a state of a main power supply of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a CPU of an MFP together with information stored in an HDD. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the apparatus management treatment performed with PC. It is a figure which shows an example of a state list display screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of an operation screen. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a power supply operation screen, (B) is a figure which shows an example of a power supply state batch operation screen. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a login screen, (B) is a figure which shows an example of an error screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a warning screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of power control processing executed in the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a power supply control instruction | indication reception process. It is a figure which shows an example of a warning screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a state change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a preview screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the power supply operation screen in a modification. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the remote control instruction | indication reception part in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the power supply control instruction | indication reception process in a modification. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example in which an electronic mail is transmitted to an MFP by a mobile phone. An example of the warning screen in the modification of remote control is shown. An example of the state change screen in the modification of remote control is shown. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a remote control instruction receiving unit of an MFP according to a second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of power control instruction reception processing executed by the MFP in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the notice screen in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change screen displayed on PC100 in the image processing system in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system, 22 Image reading part, 23 Image processing part, 24 Image formation part, 25 Paper feeding part, 26 Post-processing part, 27 Facsimile part, 28 Communication part, 29 Power supply circuit, 30 Disaster sign detection part, 31 sub Power source, 32 Main power source, 33 Second switch, 34 First switch, 101 Network, 102, 103 MFP, 104, 105 Printer, 113A Job storage unit, 114 Display unit, 115 Operation unit, 116 External storage device, 116A CD- ROM, 151 User authentication unit, 152, 152A, 152B Remote control instruction reception unit, 153 Job reception unit, 154 Job execution control unit, 155 Power supply control unit, 156 Pre-power control operation execution unit, 161 Operation reception unit, 162 E-mail Receiver, 163 Facsimile data receiver, 164 Power supply Control signal extraction unit, 165 Disaster information reception unit, 166 Disaster detection unit.

Claims (18)

Remote operation instruction receiving means for receiving instructions by remote operation;
A job execution means for executing a job;
Power control means for controlling the power supply,
The power control means executes the job execution means when there is a job to be executed by the job execution means when an instruction for controlling the power is received by the remote operation instruction reception means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a job standby control unit that controls a power supply according to an instruction for controlling the received power supply after all of the jobs are executed. Remote operation instruction receiving means for receiving instructions by remote operation;
An operation accepting means for accepting an operation;
Power control means for controlling the power supply,
When the remote control instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction to control power, and the operation accepting unit accepts an operation, the power control unit accepts the acceptance after the acceptance of the operation is completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation standby control unit configured to control the power according to an instruction for controlling the supplied power. A communication means for communicating with at least one operation terminal via a network;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation instruction receiving unit includes a power control instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction for controlling the power received by the communication unit from the at least one operation terminal.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit includes a state transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating a state after controlling the power source to the network immediately before the power source control unit controls the power source. A communication means for communicating with at least one operation terminal via a network;
When the communication means receives an instruction for controlling the power supply, the remote operation instruction receiving means displays a confirmation screen for confirming an instruction for controlling the power supply, and an instruction for controlling the power supply. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation screen transmission unit that transmits the information to the operation terminal that has transmitted the message.   The power supply control means includes a power-off control means for turning off the power when an instruction to turn off the power is received as an instruction for controlling the power by the remote operation instruction receiving means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   The power control means includes mode switching means for switching to a power saving mode for reducing the output power when an instruction to switch to the power saving mode is accepted as an instruction for controlling the power by the remote operation instruction accepting means. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The power control means includes a power control pre-control operation execution means for executing a predetermined process before controlling the power supply,
If a new job is input while the pre-power control operation executing means is executing the predetermined process after the remote control instruction receiving means receives an instruction to control the power supply, the new operation is executed. A determination means for determining whether to execute the job;
Based on a determination result by the determination unit, the execution of the predetermined process by the pre-power control operation execution unit is stopped, and the pre-power control operation execution unit is activated after executing the new job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation control unit. It further comprises an authentication means for authenticating the operating subject,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation instruction accepting unit further includes an instruction accepting unit that accepts an instruction specifying an operation subject authenticated by the authentication unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction specifying a predetermined operation subject. A communication means for communicating with another image processing apparatus connected to the network;
The remote operation instruction accepting unit includes an interlocked power supply control instruction accepting unit that accepts an instruction for controlling the power supply received from another image forming apparatus connected to the network by the communication unit. Image forming apparatus. A communication means for communicating with another image processing apparatus connected to the network;
The communication unit transmits an instruction for controlling the power source to another image forming apparatus connected to the network in response to an instruction for controlling the power source being accepted by the remote operation instruction accepting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an interlocking power supply control instruction transmitting unit. An email receiving means for receiving the email;
The remote control instruction receiving unit includes a power control instruction receiving unit that receives a predetermined power control signal included in the received e-mail as an instruction for controlling the power. Image forming apparatus. A facsimile machine;
2. The remote control instruction receiving unit includes a power control instruction receiving unit that receives a predetermined power control signal included in facsimile data received by the facsimile apparatus as an instruction for controlling the power supply. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Receiving a remote operation instruction;
A step to execute the job;
When an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is received, if there is a job to be executed, the power received by the remote operation is controlled after executing all the jobs to be executed Controlling a power supply according to an instruction for power supply control. Receiving a remote operation instruction;
Steps to accept operations,
When an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is accepted, if the operation is accepted by the operation accepting step, the power accepted by the remote operation is controlled after the acceptance of the operation is finished. Controlling the power source in accordance with instructions for the image control method. Receiving a remote operation instruction;
A step to execute the job;
When an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is received, if there is a job to be executed, the power received by the remote operation is controlled after executing all the jobs to be executed A power control program for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a step of controlling the power according to the instruction for Receiving a remote operation instruction;
Steps to accept operations,
When an instruction for controlling the power supply by remote operation is accepted, if the operation is accepted by the operation accepting step, the power accepted by the remote operation is controlled after the acceptance of the operation is finished. A power control program for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a step of controlling the power according to the instruction for

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